Definitions Matter: Tolerance

You're in a conversation and someone calls you “intolerant,” not because you are being cruel or harsh but only because you disagree. It’s clear that their understanding of "tolerance” and your understanding of “tolerance” are very different things.

What would you say?

Definitions matter. In conversations with others, we often find ourselves using the same vocabulary, but not the same dictionary. If we want to have productive conversations, we have to be clear on the meanings of the words we use.

The next time you’re in a conversation and the word “tolerance” comes up, here are 2 things to remember:

First, people often use “tolerance” to mean accepting and affirming others’ ideas – but that definition self-destructs.
Second, true tolerance requires disagreement, not approval.

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Recommended Reading:

[thetraditionalist]

this is so well explained, "tolerance" is only reserved for those who agree with people which is no tolerance at all

[ChristianityCommons]

The ethic of tolerance is in opposition to the ethic of love. Tolerance says to "put up" with those who you despise. Love says to sacrifice yourself for even those that hate you. Christians should never be tolerant people. We are commanded to be loving as Christ who laid his life down for his enemies.

[stormrider]

"Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions." - G.K. Chesterton

[thetraditionalist]

Please visit the Traditionalist, it would mean a lot!

[FRN]

Amen. God wants us to hate sin but love and tolerate sinners.
Jesus certainly tolerated sinners, and he was harshly criticized for it by the intolerant Jewish leaders of his day.

[magnaz]

Excellent video. I'm going to look for opportunities to share this.

[lookingsharpe]

P.S. when one of the ladies is holding up a pro abortion sign, there is a a typo. It says 'chealthcare'. Thought I would let you know 🙂

[NikolaHundz]

And yet, the people who like to play the blame-game when they’re called out for being or saying something intolerant, are likely incredibly bigoted and displaying an unwillingness to allow a difference of opinion or lifestyle that really isn’t the complainants business.

[Tux.Penguin]

The philosophy laid out here is fairly basic. Even so, I suspect that many people today who bring accusations of intolerance will not have the patience or the depth to grasp these simple points. (or maybe I just need to debate sharper people)

[nphoenixcrimefighter]

Tolerance is transactional
Love is transformational
Jesus was not transactional


Jesus did talk about tolerance. Not in the Gospels… but in Revelation 2, in his message to the Christians in Thyatira:

“I know your works, your love and faith and service and patient endurance, and that your latter works exceed the first. But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and seducing my servants to practice sexual immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols.” (v 19-20)

[livi]

This applies most aptly to transphobia

[Mr.Frunddles]

🤦‍♂️ this is what happens when evolution is set to the side.